Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for a Misdemeanor Case

If you suddenly find yourself charged with a misdemeanor case, you may feel confused, overwhelmed, and nervous at the same time. You may also be thinking if it would be best to hire a misdemeanor attorney in Provo or not.

What Is a Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor cases are less severe criminal cases than a felony. A misdemeanor is punishable with jail time for up to one year depending on the type of crime. Some examples of misdemeanors are shoplifting, disturbing the peace, simple assault, DUI, trespassing, reckless driving, and vandalism.

Types of Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanor cases can be classified into two categories: crimes against persons and crimes against property.

1. Crimes against persons These include cases of simple assault such as “assault and battery”, disorderly conduct, Drinking under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), domestic violence, drug possession, and prostitution.

2. Crimes against property This type of misdemeanor involves petty theft such as shoplifting, trespassing, and vandalism.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

Even if a misdemeanor case is not as serious as other criminal cases, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek the advice of a lawyer. Even the smallest criminal case filed against you can have a lasting impact on your life. Additionally, criminal cases usually have a confusing process with a lot of potential pitfalls because of all the red tape. Your lawyer can guide you through all the motions, court orders, pleas, hearings, and even a jury trial if applicable. For cases where you want to plead guilty, your attorney can help you get a lighter punishment.

Final Thoughts

A criminal case, no matter how big or small, is still a criminal case that will leave a mark on your public record. However, hiring an attorney at the onset of your case can hinder a misdemeanor from leaving a lasting mark on your record. A skilled and experienced lawyer can help you through this situation.